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Robbins, P. and Smith, S.H. (2016). Baby Bust: Towards Political Demography. Progress in Human Geography. 1–21. DOI: 10.1177/0309132516633321.

Learning Objective: LO 17-1: Understand global population trends, including fertility rates.

Summary: Although Malthusian arguments postulate the outstripping of environmental resources as populations expand, demographic projects and assessment of population dynamics indicate an imminent global baby bust. Awareness and planning for these trends can lead to positive changes in gender relations and labor in the future.

Questions to Consider:

1. What evidence do Robbins and Smith present to illustrate a change in global fertility patterns? Are you convinced by their interpretation? Do you seen examples or other information that supports these claims?
2. What are some of the economic and political implications for a decreasing global population? How may these considerations differ across high- verses low-income countries?
3. How are shifts in women’s power, agency, and education related to social change and declining fertility?
4. For a country and its institutions, are there consequences when the population distribution transitions from a primarily rural to predominantly urban composition? If so, what key areas or aspects of social life will likely become altered?